SEVENTEEN goals scored and none conceded represents an outstanding and nigh-on unbelievable start to Barwell’s Aspire Midland Alliance campaign - but boss Marcus Law is typically keeping his feet on the ground.

The Canaries followed up the 5-0 win against Cradley and the 6-0 triumph at Friar Lane with a 6-0 thrashing of Oadby Town on Tuesday night. But the second and third results were sandwiched by a disappointing 2-1 reverse against Long Eaton United in the FA Cup, a result Law is keen to learn from.

The manager was away at a wedding on Saturday so staff updated him on events. He was understandably delighted with the reaction on Tuesday night.

On the season so far, he said: “It is a nice purple patch we are going through and a lot of it is down to not having many changes within the squad [since last season]. It’s not a new side trying to find their feet.

“We worked extremely hard during the summer and we have hit the ground running. The work rate from the players has been exceptional. They have set the standard and it’s up to them, my staff and I to make sure they keep to that.

“I wasn’t there on Saturday but I understand it was down to an element of lacking mental strength in that we were probably over-confident. We learned a lesson from it and the players showed a lot of maturity and mental strength [to deal with it].

“The response on Tuesday was positive but we have got to keep going. One flower doesn’t make a spring, as they say.”

One player making a surprise return to the starting 11 on Tuesday was Francino Francis, who had left for Blue Square North side Redditch United.

It didn’t work out for both parties and after a short spell there, Francis rang his old boss to see if he could return to Kirkby Road.

Law said: “Fran’s had a little look at it and unfortunately it didn’t work out for him. He’s been big and bold and asked if he could come back.

"Football works in strange ways sometimes. He was down to be on the bench on Tuesday and Adam Knibbs broke down in the warm-up, so he ended up starting. Now it’s his shirt to lose and fate has smiled on him favourably.

"Fran has played for me for a couple of years and we have a strong relationship. Maybe I have a bit more of an understanding of how to get the best out of him.”